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. ' <br />* We support adding to the proposed rules a provision that <br />the Environmental Management Commission may on a <br />case -by -case basis establish higher standards for a <br />particular watershed on the• basis of a publicly funded <br />study and a request by one or1mcre local jurisdictions. <br />* We strongly support the provision in the proposed <br />State -wide rules which would prohibit new sewer lines in <br />critical areas of watersheds such as University Lake and <br />Cane Creek. <br />BACKGROUND <br />state legislation <br />In 1989, the General Assembly enacted legislation (House <br />Bill 156) requiring the Environmental Management Commission <br />to adopt a new system of classifications and protection <br />standards for water supply watersheds by January 1, 1991. <br />After adopting standards for watershed classifications, the <br />Commission will hold hearings on proposed classifications of <br />surface water supply watersheds. The Commission must <br />designate classifications for individual watersheds by <br />January 1, 1992. <br />Local governments with jurisdiction in these drinking water <br />supply watersheds must submit proposed water supply <br />management and protection plans by July 1, 1992. <br />House Bill 156 requires that local governments' watershed <br />protection plans must include at least density controls, <br />and /or performance -based density control alternatives based <br />on sound engineering principles. <br />The bill also authorizes the Commission to designate part or <br />all of some watersheds as critical water supply watersheds <br />and to apply more stringent standards to'them. <br />This legislation provides for appointment of an advisory <br />council to assist the Environmental Management Commission in <br />preparing watershed protection rules and classifications. <br />The advisory council has met several times since its <br />creation in December 1989 and.has worked with NC Division of <br />Environmental Management staff to propose a system of <br />classifications and regulations. Mayor Upchurch of Raleigh <br />chairs the advisory council. <br />Proposed classifications and watershed erotection <br />regulations <br />The Triangle <br />the proposed <br />copy of the <br />J Council of Governments' two -page summary of <br />rules developed for the public hearing, and a <br />proposed rules, are attached. Key points <br />